Dual mirror cosmetic compact

ABSTRACT

A multi-mirror compact comprising upper, lower and intermediate frames, the frames having clam-shell interconnection whereby each of the upper and lower frames is independently swingable away from the intermediate frame; the intermediate frame carrying a cosmetic powder support surface or surfaces; and the upper frame carrying a first mirror facing toward the surface or surfaces and the lower frame carrying a second mirror facing toward the support surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to improvements in construction and use of cosmetic devices, such as compacts; and more particularly concerns highly advantageous construction of compact frames, as related to multiple mirrors, and use thereof.

There is need for devices as referred to enabling use of one or two mirrors in a compact; as for examination of cosmetics facial application, as for example when or where facial powder or the like is obtained from one or both sides of a support located in the compact, between the two mirrors. For example, powder A or the like is obtained from or off one side of the support and used in conjunction with use of a first mirror; and powder B or the like is obtained from or off an opposite side of the support and used in conjunction with use of a second mirror. No prior devices appear to provide these as well as other advantages, in the way and by unusually advantageous means as provided by the present invention, shortening times needed for powder A, or B, or A plus B, application and observation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved dual mirror compact device or system, employing unusual advantages as referred to. Basically, the device or apparatus incorporates:

a) upper, lower and intermediate frames, such frames having clam-shell interconnection whereby each of the upper and lower frames is independently swingable away from the intermediate frame,

b) the intermediate frame carrying a cosmetic powder support surface or surfaces,

c) the upper frame carrying a first mirror facing toward said surface or surfaces and the lower frame carrying a second mirror facing toward said support surface.

Another object is to provide such a device having means whereby the three frames are held closed together in stacked relation, when the device is closed. A further object is to provide such a device wherein the powder A or B supply surface has upper and lower surfaces respectively facing the two mirrors. A user can apply powder A and observe it via the first mirror; and also apply powder B, and observe it, with minimum manipulation of the frames.

Yet another object is to provide upper and lower annular frames for the dual mirrors, which close toward the third frame in superposed relation, the frames typically being annular. The first and second frames provide or carry compact top and bottom covers, or lids. Dual hinges are typically provided to support the top and bottom frames, and to enable their separate and selected opening and closing. Upper and lower sections of the powder carrier or carriers, respectively face the two mirrors for fast and convenient use.

A method of the invention includes

a) providing upper, lower and intermediate frames, said frames having clam-shell interconnection whereby each of the upper and lower frames is independently swingable away from the intermediate frame,

b) the intermediate frame provided to carry a powder support surface or surfaces,

c) the upper frame provided to carry a first mirror facing toward said surface or surfaces and the lower frame carrying a second mirror facing toward said support surface,

d) and selectively lifting the upper or lower frame away from the third frame to enable selective powder access off the carrier surface or surfaces on the third frame, and observation by use of the associated mirror or mirrors.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compact, in one mode of opening;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 compact, in a second mode of opening,

FIG. 3 is a view of a frame member; and

FIG. 4 is an elevation showing multiple frame clam shell interconnection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, the multi-mirror compact 10 shown, comprises:

a) upper, lower and intermediate annular frames 11, 12 and 13, such frames having clam-shell interconnection whereby each of the upper and lower frames is independently swingable away from the intermediate frame, while the two remaining frames remain releasably locked together,

b) the intermediate frame carrying a cosmetic powder support surface or surfaces, as at location or locations 21 and 22,

c) the upper frame 11 carrying a first circular mirror 20 facing toward surface or surfaces 21 on 13 and the lower frame carrying a second mirror 20 a facing toward support surface or surfaces 22 on 13.

Surface or surfaces 21 are at an upper side of the intermediate frame 13 to face upwardly; and surface or surfaces 22 are at the lower side of frame 13 to face downwardly.

Accordingly, the user can lift up the upper frame 11 and lid 26 to quickly access cosmetic powder A on surface or surfaces 21; and alternatively, the user can invert the compact, and lift up the frame 12 lid or closure 27, to quickly access the cosmetic powder B on surface or surfaces 22. Loose powder in the space 30 between 26 and 21 falls onto 21 or powder A thereon, when lid 26 is lifted as described; and loose powder in the space 30 a between lid 27 and 22 falls onto 22, or powder B thereon. Any powder “dusting” of the mirrors can be easily wiped away.

Means, as for example detents 32, are provided to hold the frames 11 and 12 in collapsed position, when the compact is closed. Such detents hold the upper and lower frames adjacent the intermediate frame. Also, detents are provided to hold the upper and lower frames in raised position, during use as described. See FIG. 4, and detent 44 proximate the upper frame hinge location; and detent 45 proximate the lower frame hinge location.

Mirrors 20 and 21 carried by the upper and lower frames, are used when the upper and lower frames are elevated to raised positions to access either powder A or powder B.

Further features include:

i) The powder surface facing toward the upper frame typically has a portion facing toward the upper frame mirror.

ii) The upper and lower frames are typically annular and have the same radial dimensions.

iii) More typically, all of the frames are annular, and have the same radial dimensions.

iv) Upper and lower frames are preferably alike, and said two mirrors are preferably alike.

v) There are dual hinges 60 and 61 respectively connecting said upper and lower frames to the intermediate frame, and such dual hinges extend in adjacent or proximate relation.

vi) The cosmetic powder support includes upper and lower sections respectively facing the two mirrors, in compact closed condition. 

1. A multi-mirror compact comprising, in combination, a) upper, lower and intermediate frames, said frames having clam-shell interconnection whereby each of the upper and lower frames is independently swingable away from the intermediate frame, and toward a raised open position, b) the intermediate frame carrying a cosmetic powder support surface or surfaces, c) the upper frame carrying a first mirror facing toward said surface or surfaces and the lower frame carrying a second mirror facing toward said support surface, d) and first detent structure everywhere spaced from said intermediate frame, to hold at least one of the upper and lower frames in its said raised open position, the intermediate frame being annular and free of direct peripheral connections to the upper and lower frames, e) said intermediate frame having reduced thickness relative to the thicknesses of the upper and lower frames, said intermediate frame peripherally and removably fitting the lower frame, said three frames having a closed together stacked position, with the first and second frames closed toward and about the periphery of the third frame in superposed relation.
 2. The combination of claim 1 including other detent structure to hold said frames in a collapsed position, at which time the compact is closed.
 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the support surface facing toward the upper frame has a portion facing toward the lower frame mirror.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower frames are annular and have the same radial dimensions.
 5. The combination of claim 1 wherein all of said frames are annular, and have substantially the same radial dimensions.
 6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower frames have shapes that are alike, and said two mirrors have shapes that are alike.
 7. The combination of claim 1 wherein there are dual hinges respectively connecting said upper and lower frames to the intermediate frame.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said dual hinges extend in superposed relation.
 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said cosmetic powder support includes upper and lower sections respectively facing said two mirrors, in compact closed condition.
 10. The combination of claim 8 and wherein said cosmetic powder support includes upper and lower sections respectively facing said two mirrors, in compact closed condition.
 11. The combination of claim 1 including second detent structure configured to hold the other of said frames in its raised open position, said first and second detent structures being spaced apart, the intermediate annular frame being everywhere spaced from said first and second detent structures.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said clam-shell interconnection includes spaced first and second hinge locations for said respective upper and lower frames, the first and second detent structures being spaced at the frames from said first and second hinge locations, respectively.
 13. The method of operating a compact that includes: a) providing upper, lower and intermediate frames, said frames having clam-shell interconnection whereby each of the upper and lower frames is independently swingable away from the intermediate frame, b) the intermediate frame provided to carry a powder support surface or surfaces, c) the upper frame provided to carry a first mirror facing toward said surface or surfaces and the lower frame carrying a second mirror facing toward said support surface, d) and selectively lifting the upper or lower frame away from the intermediate frame to a raised position enabling selective powder access off the powder support surface or surfaces on the intermediate frame, and observation by use of one of said mirror or mirrors, e) and providing and operating detent structure to hold at least one of the upper and lower frames in its said raised position to facilitate said enabling, f) and providing said intermediate frame with annular configuration everywhere free of peripheral connection to the upper and lower frames. 